East End’s jobless ride wave of ‘Ocean’ work opportunities

People living on one of London’s biggest housing estates which is undergoing a massive redevelopment are now getting a jobs bonus out of the regeneration.

Many were on the dole—out of work for months or even years at a time.

Now the three-year programme on Stepney’s huge Ocean Estate has put 65 of them into jobs—in addition to building 800 new homes and refurbishing 1,000 more.

The �200m project by East Thames Housing involves Tower Hamlets Council, Skillsmatch, Wates builders and Bellway Homes, preparing people for work. This has included courses in IT, team working and CV development which has helped job applications or get work experience and apprenticeships.

Some found roles in security at the Olympic Park, others landed jobs in construction, foster care and administration, with another 33 getting construction apprenticeships.

The next Ocean Estate employment and training programme starts in March for the construction industry.